ROWAYTON--All of the pre-school accoutrements have been packed away and the classrooms at Community Cooperative Nursery School (CCNS) have been transformed into a fine art gallery featuring more than 900 pieces by more than 75 local and international artists. This year's show is the 50th anniversary art exhibition and sale at the parent-owned and run cooperative pre-school.

"The parents have put together this wonderful show," said Anne Hussey, art show co-chairman. "It's very exciting on opening night to see the tremendous community support this show receives. The show has repeat customers and a very loyal following."

The major fundraiser for the non-profit CCNS, which was founded in 1953, the show has been in its planning stages for months and was organized entirely by parents of children at the school.

"Since we're a cooperative pre-school everyone pitches in to organize this show," said Samira Schmitz, art show co-chairman.

Forty percent of the proceeds benefit the school and are tax deductible.

According to Hussey, the gross proceeds from last year's sale exceeded $175,000 dollars with a $75,000 profit to the school. Organizers hope to exceed that amount this year.

"In celebration of our 50th anniversary we will have seven featured artists," said Hussey.

Featured artists include: Andrea Bonfils of Darien; Lori Glavin, co-founder of Wilson Avenue Loft Artists in Norwalk; Claudia Mengel of Westport; Duvian Montoya of Norwalk; Dutch artist Eline de Jonge; Paul Balmer of New York City and Helen Cantrell of Old Lyme.

A tent has been erected to display the work of the featured artists and the other pieces have been hung in the classrooms with mathematical precision.

"We measured and utilized every inch of these walls and as pieces are sold another will be hung in its place," said Hussey.

Prices were set by the artists and will range in price from $100 to up to $20,000, according to Hussey.

"There are pieces for every budget," she said.

For the first time, CCNS has launched a page on its website, www.ccnsct.com, which offers previews of the art offerings.

"We're very excited about this," said Hussey. "This is the first time we're using the website as a point of sale. We've already tracked viewings from people all over the world."